Red Blasto Merletti

About this coral

Red Blasto Merletti is an LPS coral sold as Blastomussa merletti, a “blasto” type prized for its fleshy, cluster-forming corallites. In a reef aquarium, it’s typically chosen for its colorful LPS form and for how it fits into common LPS husbandry—using moderate lighting, gentle flow, and optional supplemental feeding in addition to its photosynthesis.

Features:

• Moderate care level makes it a good LPS option for reef tanks that can keep stable water chemistry.
• Moderate lighting needs (appropriate for T-5, powerful LEDs, or metal halides) without requiring extremely intense illumination.
• Placement from bottom to middle helps it find the light level it needs while keeping it clear of other corals as it grows.
• Gentle water movement is preferred; it does not require strong flow to do well.
• Peaceful reef temperament—generally not a troublemaker toward nearby corals when spaced appropriately.
• Nutrition comes largely from symbiotic zooxanthellae, with the option to supplement using micro-plankton or foods intended for filter-feeding invertebrates.

Specifications:

• Scientific name (confirmed): Blastomussa merletti
• Care level: Moderate
• Lighting: Moderate
• Placement: Bottom to middle
• Water flow: Does not require strong water movement
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Temperature: 72–78 °F
• pH: 8.0–8.4
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8–12 dKH
• Salinity (Specific Gravity): 1.023–1.025
• Diet / Feeding: Primary: photosynthetic (zooxanthellae). Supplemental: micro-plankton or foods designed for filter-feeding invertebrates.